How We Make Larder Doors by Hand – A Look Inside Our Workshop. - The Painted Kitchen Company Ltd

How We Make Larder Doors by Hand – A Look Inside Our Workshop.

How We Make Larder Doors by Hand – A Look Inside Our Workshop

Behind every larder cabinet we build is a careful, hands-on process. Our larder doors aren't pulled from a warehouse shelf — they're crafted, assembled, and finished in our own UK workshop by skilled hands that know what a lasting cabinet should feel like.

The Joinery That Sets Us Apart

Each door begins as a stack of raw, sustainably sourced timber. We select the timber for grain consistency, minimal knots, and structural integrity. Using traditional joinery techniques, we cut each stile and rail, then assemble them with mortise and tenon joints — far stronger than dowels or biscuits, and made to endure.

This attention to detail means that our doors stay straight, close cleanly, and feel solid in the hand. We don’t just build cabinets — we build kitchens that will last for generations.

From Workshop to Kitchen

Once assembled, the doors are sanded by hand and primed in-house before being painted to order. This level of control ensures a consistent finish across your entire kitchen, especially important for large features like larders. See our Engraved TL 1000 larder unit for an example of our craftsmanship and finish quality.

Functional Beauty

We design our larder doors to not only look good but to work hard. Hidden soft-close hinges come as standard, and the full-height layout offers uninterrupted access to your dry goods, appliances, or breakfast bar setup. If you're planning a layout, our wall cabinet and corner cabinet collections complement these units beautifully.

Finishing Touches Matter

The choice of handles, knobs, or engraving makes each larder unique. For inspiration on finishes and fittings, read our post on how hardware transforms painted shaker cabinets.

Care That Carries On

We want your kitchen to stay looking as good in ten years as it does on day one. That’s why we recommend reading our care guide for painted shaker cabinetry — a few simple tips go a long way.

FAQs: Handmade Larder Doors

What makes handmade larder doors better than flatpack?

Handmade doors use stronger joinery methods and higher-quality timber. They’re also easier to repair and touch up over time, unlike many veneered or foil-wrapped alternatives.

Can I customise the style of my larder doors?

Yes — we offer engraving, custom sizing, and a wide range of painted finishes. You can also choose the hardware that suits your style.

Are handmade doors worth the extra cost?

For most of our customers — absolutely. They last longer, feel more solid, and elevate the entire look and feel of the kitchen. It's a true investment in your home.

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